Witness History cover image

Witness History

Vidkun Quisling: Norway's traitor

Jan 22, 2024
Vidkun Quisling, a Norwegian politician, suggested to Hitler that the British were planning to move into Norway, leading to Germany's invasion. A journalist explores Quisling's life after discovering his suitcase. Quisling's Jewish neighbor recounts the impact of his actions. The podcast delves into his collaboration with the Nazis and the escape of a young boy and his siblings. Quisling's name became synonymous with betrayal and influenced a terrorist attack years later.
10:27
Creator website

Episode guests

Vidkun Quisling

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Vidkun Quisling's secret meeting with Adolf Hitler in Berlin in 1939 was instrumental in Hitler's decision to invade Norway, making him an infamous traitor in Norway's history.
  • The discovery of Vidkun Quisling's suitcase, believed to be the one he took to Berlin in 1939, highlights the connection between his actions and the suffering endured by the Jewish population during World War II.

Deep dives

Vidkun Quisling: Norway's Puppet Fascist Leader during World War II

Vidkun Quisling, installed as Norway's puppet fascist leader by Adolf Hitler during World War II, lived in luxury as the Nazis invaded the country and rounded up the Jewish population. Norwegian journalist Trudel Lorenzen discovered an auction item that caught her attention – a suitcase belonging to Quisling. This suitcase was believed to be the one he took on a secret trip to Berlin in 1939, influencing Hitler's decision to invade Norway. Quisling's early experiences working in Ukraine for the Red Cross shaped his political views and led to his deep fear of communism. Despite his initial political party's lack of success, his meeting with Hitler in 1939 transformed him into a Nazi collaborator and Norway's traitor. With Quisling and the Nazis in charge, food supplies were scarce, and the Jewish population suffered. Thousands of Jews were arrested and sent to concentration camps, and it was only some fortunate individuals who managed to escape to Sweden. After the war ended, Quisling was sentenced to death and became synonymous with the word 'traitor' both in Norway and worldwide.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner